#Chapter 297: Shifting Tides

Hannah By the time we stepped out of the ring, it felt as if my entire body was on fire. Every muscle seemed to be taut, every heartbeat one thump away from shifting. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to run circles around the building or maybe tear up the walls like a caged animal. What was wrong with me today, I wondered? I wiped the sweat from my forehead, letting the towel linger there for a second as I caught my breath. In, out. I just needed to cool off, and then I would feel normal. Across from me, Noah leaned against the ropes, his chest heaving with a lopsided grin spreading across his face. I couldn’t help but grin back after our impromptu spar, momentarily forgetting our discomfort. “Well, that was… unexpected,” he said, his green eyes almost seeming to shimmer with the thrill of it all. “I haven’t felt you fight like that in a long time, Hannah. You were strong—stronger than usual.” His gaze softened, and he looked at me as if he were seeing s